Pasadena Now

Benjamin M. Rosen passed away on August 23, 2026, at age 93. He was an alumnus who held positions as chair emeritus of the Caltech Board of Trustees and chair emeritus of Compaq Computer Corporation. Rosen also received the Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) in 2007.

NASA has selected Caltech to operate the Orbiting Carbon Observatory missions (OCO-2 and OCO-3) starting this fall. These missions, which include a satellite and an instrument on the International Space Station (ISS), identify where carbon is being emitted or absorbed by natural sinks like forests and oceans. The data gathered will aid in understanding agricultural health, providing information on plant productivity and ecosystem health.

City officials are determining how to control and redevelop 50 acres of former 710 Freeway property in Pasadena. Because the redevelopment will shape the area for generations, an expert long-term governance structure is required. The City Council is scheduled to review these recommendations from an Urban Land Institute technical advisory panel.

Concerns about local hiring at the Central Library renovation, raised by City Councilmembers Justin Jones and Tyron Hampton, have led to increased local employment numbers. The $186 million project saw seven Pasadena craftworkers log 2,250 hours through June 30, according to a Public Works Department report. This report noted that while wages were paid out, Pasadena residents accounted for only 4.28% of the total craft workers.

The City Council will consider awarding a nearly $1.29 million contract for street resurfacing and accessibility improvements on approximately 1.27 miles of roadway. This project, which utilizes federal Community Development Block Grant funding, was recommended by the Department of Public Works to award Hardy & Harper Inc. of Lake Forest.

The enduring conflict within California pits corporate interests against four powerful groups—unions, personal injury lawyers, consumer advocates, and environmentalists. These clashes focus on new regulations, taxes, minimum wages, or other costly mandates, with the underlying disagreement remaining perpetual.

Pasadena faces a dangerous stretch of triple-digit heat through midweek with little overnight relief expected. High temperatures are forecast to peak near 105 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday, keeping the San Gabriel Valley under various advisories and warnings.

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education will vote on a resolution committing the district to work toward 30% mature tree canopy in outdoor areas designated for student learning, play, and circulation by 2035. However, the proposal notes that budget reductions have cut grounds staffing by approximately 50%, which affects the district's ability to maintain its existing or any additional trees.

Los Angeles County Regional Planning is developing an ordinance to streamline the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption at Altadena restaurants and eating establishments. Public input is currently being sought via an online survey ahead of the Altadena Town Council Land Use Committee's meeting. The proposed measure aims to support small-business recovery by lowering costs and expediting approval.

The Accessibility and Disability Commission is scheduled to discuss updates to its work plan and special events calendar during a meeting on Tuesday. This roadmap covers advocacy efforts on housing, transportation, and emergency readiness for the 2026-2027 fiscal year through next June.

The Accessibility and Disability Commission is scheduled to consider approving its annual report for the 2025-2026 fiscal year on August 25. This document details the commission's work concerning accessible housing, emergency readiness, and public education about ableism. The report, addressed to the City Council, also discloses goals that the commission dropped.

The Arroyo Overlook above the Lower Arroyo Seco is reported to have issues including a dry fountain, stone retaining walls needing shoring up, and no safe way down to the trail system. To address these concerns, The One Arroyo Foundation, the City of Pasadena, and RJM Design Group will hold a public workshop on August 26.

The Altadena Town Council could advise the County Board of Supervisors to enact construction-free Sundays. This measure would cause construction on thousands of homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire to grind to a halt.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California announced that its program providing incentives for sustainable landscaping helped fund the planting of 4,000 trees across Southern California. This milestone was marked at the California Institute of Technology, where a project is currently replacing nearly 100,000 square feet of unused grass and adding 59 new trees.

An 82-degree indoor temperature standard is scheduled to take effect for Altadena renters on Jan. 1, 2027. This new rule is an LA County mandate for unincorporated areas and does not cover Pasadena renters. Therefore, the Pasadena Rental Housing Board voted to put a similar recommendation for an indoor heat cap to the City Council.

A new wellness and recharge lounge has opened for teachers at James Madison Elementary School in Pasadena. This facility features state-of-the-art massage chairs, snacks, and is built by the Impact Fitness Foundation with support from iHeartMedia and Anthem Blue Cross.

A blood drive planned for the Pasadena Convention Center on Sunday at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. was part of three drives held by the International WeLoveU Foundation and the American Red Cross. The Pasadena drive takes place during only the second national blood supply crisis declared by the Red Cross, which noted that donations had reached a four-year summer low.

The Los Angeles County Superior Court warned residents about a jury duty scam involving callers who falsely claim individuals missed service and face arrest. The scam operates by telling people they have an outstanding warrant after failing to report for jury duty. Officials urged caution regarding unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages related to jury service that threaten arrest.

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan announced the mailing of voter outreach materials ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election. Approximately 4.8 million registered voters will receive a postcard with key information about voting options and election dates, which is translated into 18 languages.

Middle school students from the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club participated in the 'Shop with a Cop' program at Target in East Pasadena. The event, marking its 10th year, provided twenty students with $150 gift cards for back-to-school necessities. These funds were made possible by the Rotary Club of Pasadena.